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Urban Forestry

Vancouver's Urban Forestry Program aims to maximize the aesthetic, environmental, and economic benefits that trees provide to city residents and visitors by preserving, managing, and enhancing existing trees and other vegetation and promoting the reforestation of the urban area, through an active integrated program with community support and participation.

Trees are amazingly resilient. Most trees survive storms and recover over time from storm damage. Get careful, professional assessments on remaining trees so that they are not unnecessarily removed or damaged.

Around our homes or along the streets, trees are one of our most valuable assets. They are also a long-term investment. Like any investment, trees require careful decisions and the occasional advice and service of a professional.
In the tree world, arborists are the professionals that can safeguard your trees and save you from the long-term consequences of neglect or improper care.

Find out the real facts about common topping myths. Learn out about alternatives to topping, as well as ways to get involved in spreading proper tree care in our community.
What is Topping?
Topping is the drastic removal of large amounts of leaves and branches from a tree's crown.
According to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), "topping is the indiscriminate cutting back of...

Vancouver's Tree Refund Program
Every tree planted in Vancouver increases neighborhood livability, adds to the values of our homes, decreases stormwater runoff, and reduces our energy costs. Plant a tree and receive a refund for improving your community.
For a greener Vancouver
The 2011 city of Vancouver tree canopy study found a loss of almost 300 acres of tree canopy on residential property...

Urban Forestry plants and takes care of about 1000 new trees throughout Vancouver each year, and it couldn't be done without all of our dedicated volunteers. Visit this page regularly to find out about volunteer opportunities throughout the year, from planting season through maintenance season.

Recognizing the numerous benefits trees provide, the City is making an investment in the future by caring for the trees we have and planting many more trees throughout the city. Vancouver Urban Forestry is partnering with neighborhoods, businesses, and property owners to increase tree canopy cover from 18.6 percent to the goal of 28 percent. This includes planting and caring for trees in parks,...

Make your community a greener place
Every tree in the City of Vancouver increases neighborhood livability, adds to the value of our homes, decreases stormwater runoff, and reduces our energy costs. TreeCAP rewards community members who do their part to grow and maintain a healthy urban forest.

Some species of trees may thrive in locations which conflict with city infrastructure or private property. Learn how to identify common invasive trees and effective strategies for management. This page will highlight some common invasive trees, control and removal methods, and replanting options.

"Perhaps nature is our best assurance of immortality."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Residents wishing to plant a tree in honor or memory of a special person or event may participate in the Witness Tree program, which is both a memorial program and an adopt-a-tree program that provides a way to commemorate special occasions while also enhancing our urban...

Visit the Urban Forestry Commission website
The Urban Forestry Commission was established to advise the Mayor and City Council on local and regional tree related issues. The Commission assists the city to develop good management practices to conserve the city’s trees and forests, educate citizens on the importance of urban trees, and organize tree plantings.

Urban trees are vital to the quality of our lives! They shade our streets, enhance the appearance and value of our homes, and improve the environment -- just a few examples of the many significant benefits of urban trees.

Having trees in our landscapes is not as simple as planting and watching them grow. Urban trees require plenty of consideration and care for good health and safety....

Welcome to your forest newsroom.
Intended to serve the community with information on Vancouver's work in urban forestry. Enjoy the links to press releases and other news items as well as feature stories on forestry field projects and in depth articles focused on specific urban forestry issues.
If you have any suggestions or questions regarding a news release, please feel free to contact...

Do you like trees? Are you interested in our urban natural resources? Want to make your neighborhood greener? Become a NeighborWoods Steward!
This seven-session course will be held on Thursday evenings, in September and early October from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Hall as well as two Saturday field days....

The annual Old Apple Tree Festival is a celebration centered on the oldest living apple tree in the Northwest, planted at Fort Vancouver in 1826.
Celebrate the Old Apple Tree Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Old Apple Tree Park, located on Columbia Way just east of Interstate 5 Bridge.